Navy Federal Credit Union

Anthony Geiser was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, and all four members of his air crew received posthumous Silver Stars for their heroism in the mission that resulted in the loss of their aircraft. All members of the crew were reported missing in action. When the wreckage of their bomber was recovered after the war, they were interned together in a mass grave at Arlington National Cemetery.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    456 Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    323d Bombardment Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 3, 1943

    Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 11 (February 28, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Air Corps) Anthony William Geiser (ASN: 0-727713), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-26 Marauder Bomber of the 456th Bombardment Squadron, 323d Bombardment Group (Medium), NINTH Air Force, during an air mission on 3 November 1943, over Amsterdam, Holland. Captain Geiser was flying the lead plane against the attack on the heavily-defended enemy airfield. As the B-26 Marauder entered the bombing run, shrapnel from heavy anti-aircraft fire hit the left wing, pierced the fuel tank, and a long stream of fire moved back from the wing and spread throughout the plane. At this point in the run it was critical to the safety of the formation, as well as the success of the mission, that all planes remain in close formation. So, rather than jeopardize the safety of the formation and success of the mission, the crew elected to remain at their posts and complete the mission, even at the risk of their lives. Captain Geiser and his co-pilot flew their plane slightly below the rest of the aircraft to minimize the danger to the formation if the plane exploded, but remained on course. The bombardier held his bombs until over the target, although dropping them would have eased the handling of the badly-damaged aircraft. The gunners were seen to glance at the flames on their aircraft and return to their guns. As the bombing run was completed, the flaming B-26 lost the left wing, went into a uncontrollable dive, and exploded in mid-air carrying with it the entire crew. Captain Geiser’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat, at the cost of his life, is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.